Knoebels Discussion Thread

[Canobie Coaster]

That looks like they may be down for a while unfortunately.

[disownedpear]

The park told me over Facebook that it would be closed just this weekend, but that has to be a mistake right? There's no way they can get that back up in a week. 

[AmyUD06]

Don't see why its so hard to believe.  Two guys with the proper lift equipment could get that reassembled in a day.  It's not like the whole drive mechanism/gearbox is dismantled.  If SFGAdv can replace a lift motor for Batman in one day, while the park is operating, this should be cake for the Knoebel's crew while the park is closed.

[disownedpear]

Is the gearbox there? I remember some talk near the end of last season about a new gearbox spotted somewhere. 

[SharkTums]

So what's the drama at Knoebels today!??!

[AmyUD06]

Bomb threat apparently.

https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/police-investigating-threat-at-knoebels/523-3ec88b87-2b77-4932-bc33-5b0edee57739

EDIT: Better article here: https://www.pahomepage.com/top-stories/police-investigate-situation-at-knoebels/

[AmyUD06]

Mini-TR 5/1:

My buddy Ian and I made the trek up to Knoebels yesterday for a combination birthday trip, both of ours which we were prevented from celebrating properly by COVID.  Most everything was running, except notably the Flyers (still disassembled), Tornado (completely missing), Flying Turns (though it does look like they've finished the rebuild), and all of the other rides indicated as Closed on their website.

Got my first ride ever on Looper (my first time going to the park with someone LOL), which was quite awesome, and it was great introducing Ian to the magical experiences that are Phoenix, Stratosphere, the Scooters, and Cosmotron.  We skipped a lot of rides because it was Scout Day and beautiful weather and lines ranged from just barely tolerable to terrible (especially the motor boats).

Ride counts:
Phoenix x2
Twister x1
Impulse x1
Scooters x1
Looper x1
Skywayx1
Black Diamond x1
Whipper x1
Stratosphere x1
Grand Carosel x1 (got 10 rings!)
Haunted Mansion x1

Poor sad Flyers...I stand corrected on my assertion that they would be reassembled in a week.

All in all, a great day.

[disownedpear]

Nice TR! Sad to see the flyers like that but I guess I should be thankful they put so much effort into maintaining them. Looper is so fun, hated it until I could figure out how to get the damn thing over though. The rider controlled rides at Knoebles are fantastic, you have the best flyers and bumper cars in the United States along with the rare Looper!

I hear the mansion got some upgrades this year? 

 

[AmyUD06]

1 minute ago, disownedpear said:

I hear the mansion got some upgrades this year?

Not that I could tell from last year, but I'm no expert.

I did notice that Black Diamond's water-dropping effect near the end was off.

[disownedpear]

The mansion is so packed with effects that I don't think I would notice any different ones either ha.

 

Black Diamonds water effect has been off since Covid, not sure why. I know on water rides a lot of parks will have you take your masks off because guests hate wearing wet masks, that could be it but I don't recall ever really getting wet from that effect. 

[njcoasterguy34]

Also, wet masks aren't as effective as dry masks.

[wildcattb5]

Anyone been to the park this weekend? (Or recently since this weekend weather-wise was a bust). Got this Thursday off and I'm split 50/50 whether to go to Knoebel's or to Hershey. Keeping my expectations in check for either one since it's still early in the season and I know all parks are dealing with short-staffing. Originally the deciding factor was gonna be whether Storm Runner or The Flyers opened first but obviously neither seem to be in any rush to open unfortunately. Still leaning towards Knoebel's because of all the other amazing flats that are open, all the coasters except Flying Turns have been consistently operating, and of course the food. As much as I love Skyrush as my favorite coaster in PA, Knoebel's as a whole usually wins out, but I'm curious if anyone can share recent experiences...

[AmyUD06]

@wildcattb5, scroll up 6 posts above this one for my report from May 1st.

[wildcattb5]

So despite the weather forecasts suggesting a 50/50 chance of thunderstorms, I still decided to make the 2-hr trek to Knoebel's today. I was pretty close to calling it off and going to Great Adventure instead since Jersey had less of a storm risk, and the plus of possibly seeing Jersey Devil test runs. But knowing that Knoebel's runs most stuff in the rain barring lightning, I figured I would have better luck with them regarding weather policy than risking SF closing down a park at the sight of a raindrop. 

It was a typical early June light weekday crowd, but with less school kids since most schools aren't doing year-end field trips this year. Definitely campers being the main source of guests today. Even with a chunk of attractions not operating, the park still felt more than open and waiting to provide customer service, with most of the major food stands and shops open and ready for business; even little kiosks like the Dippin' Dots near Haunted Mansion were open, which you know would be shuttered on a weekday at a big chain park. Best of all was the sight of the familiar friendly long-time staff that you always see doing their designated roles. I feel bad because I'm horrible at remembering names but you always know the Knoebel's season is well underway when you see the familiar faces.

I opted to not get a wristband out of fear the day would be rained out at any instance, but sure enough other than one 30-minute pour it just ended up being a cloudy day and I exceeded the wristband cost in tickets. Oh well. Got 6 rides on Phoenix, and it was hauling ass the whole time. I'm used to it slowly making the first turn-around but right from the get-go it was ripping around that turn; it's as if it got a little magic from Twister in regards to aggressiveness. I remember previously being underwhelmed until the final bunny hills and now the airtime is popping from (almost) start to finish. 4 rides on Twister and it's treating riders even more so like a rag doll, but in a good way (except for one teen boy who hurled afterwards at the exit gate on one ride). Got a ride each on Impulse (still underrated) and Kozmo's Kurves (I'd enjoy the airtime more if it didn't whack my knees into the bars when trying to eject me). Flying Turns still shuttered but the track work looks finished and the trains look ready to go, and Black Diamond was also closed too.

As for non-coasters, while I was saddened I couldn't experience the Flyers I was happy to see the maintenance crew putting the pieces back together, a sign that it'll hopefully re-open soon. Fandango is still waiting for parts, and the Wipeout is still visible in pieces. Got a couple rides on the Grand Carousel and one each on Haunted Mansion and Skooters, because of course a trip isn't complete without them. Also got a surprisingly long ride on the Paratrooper, and hit up the Pioneer Train too. Skipped the log flume this time around (Skloosh is still closed) and the Skyway was also closed; not one for drop towers but Stratos-fear was open for anyone who loves that Larson tower. Also the Tornado being installed has an extremely sharp dark blue and green scheme which I totally prefer over the standard carnival ones.

Didn't go as crazy on food as I thought I would but got some Loaded Tri-tators and Sicilian and White Broccoli slices from Cesari's. All hit the spot as usual. And when it did rain for 30 minutes, it was perfect timing for enjoying several rounds of Fascination.

All in all for a day that could've very well been a bust I'd say it went about as well as could be expected. Everything was a walk-on and while not everything is open just yet there's still plenty to do to keep one occupied for several hours. Between Fascination and the museums and covered attractions like the Carousel, there's plenty of options to stay dry, more so than your average park. And of course it's still the same charm and awesome service you would expect from Knoebel's.

[KBrylczyk]

On 2/9/2021 at 4:58 AM, Garet said:

Remember the lady who married 1001 Nachts? Well now there's Lady falls in love with a ride....The Movie!

 

1:20, did the ride just, you know...ejaculate on her?

Edit - 1:33 - More licking of fluids.  Then she's got more of it on her face.  This belongs on pornhub.

Edit 2 - "If you get really wet you know he might get rusty, right?"  OMFG

[Garet]

12 hours ago, KBrylczyk said:

 This belongs on pornhub.

If you can't think or say this, is it even really a French film?

[VegasCoaster]

What are lines like on a weekday in the summer? I might be driving through PA and am trying to be greedy by stopping at Knoebels on the way to Kennywood from the Boston area since I don't have time to do both. Might be there at 5 or so and have 2, maybe 3 hours there.

Also, anyone have insider info on when Flying Turns might open? Not trying to get my hopes up, but sounded like there was a chance it was nearing the end of its downtime.

[A.J.]

29 minutes ago, VegasCoaster said:

What are lines like on a weekday in the summer? I might be driving through PA and am trying to be greedy by stopping at Knoebels on the way to Kennywood from the Boston area since I don't have time to do both.

Skip Kennywood.

[AmyUD06]

37 minutes ago, VegasCoaster said:

What are lines like on a weekday in the summer? I might be driving through PA and am trying to be greedy by stopping at Knoebels on the way to Kennywood from the Boston area since I don't have time to do both. Might be there at 5 or so and have 2, maybe 3 hours there.

Also, anyone have insider info on when Flying Turns might open? Not trying to get my hopes up, but sounded like there was a chance it was nearing the end of its downtime.

As @A.J. said, if you've already been to Kennywood, your full day would be better spent at Knoebels.  If you haven't been to Kennywood, but have been to Knoebels before, then the trip as you've planned it makes a little more sense to me.  If you've never been to either park, definitely choose Knoebels.

No idea on Flying Turns.  My guess is that they're in no hurry.  It'll open when it opens.

[DILinator]

I too am going to be heading through PA on a trip with my kids to visit relatives in Jersey next month, am planning on hitting Knoebels for the Sundown hours, and was wondering the same regarding typical lines and wait times on a weekday (wednesday) in July. That didn't really get addressed in the last two posts, so I thought I'd mention it again, just to get an idea. I get that a full day at Knoebels is better than a half day (none of us have been before), but that's just not in the cards for this trip, and I just wanted to at least finally get a taste of this legendary park. Any input on what the can't-miss rides or things to do there in 4 hours of time, certainly are appreciated as well! We're obviously going to do all the major coasters (that are open), and we're not going to do the Haunted Mansion, or any water attractions. Thanks in advance! 

[AmyUD06]

14 minutes ago, DILinator said:

I too am going to be heading through PA on a trip with my kids to visit relatives in Jersey next month, am planning on hitting Knoebels for the Sundown hours, and was wondering the same regarding typical lines and wait times on a weekday (wednesday) in July. That didn't really get addressed in the last two posts, so I thought I'd mention it again, just to get an idea. I get that a full day at Knoebels is better than a half day (none of us have been before), but that's just not in the cards for this trip, and I just wanted to at least finally get a taste of this legendary park. Any input on what the can't-miss rides or things to do there in 4 hours of time, certainly are appreciated as well! We're obviously going to do all the major coasters (that are open), and we're not going to do the Haunted Mansion, or any water attractions. Thanks in advance! 

Sorry, my only trip there was on a Saturday (the second one they were open for the year, in fact), so I can't comment on crowds.  Things to not miss at Knoebels, roughly in order of importance:

-Phoenix
-Twister
-Haunted Mansion (why don't you plan on doing this?)
-Looper
-Black Diamond
-Stratosphere
-Cosmotron
-Scooters (bumper cars)
-Motor Boats
-Flyers (if they're running)
-Whip
-Paratrooper
-Grand Carousel (outer, ring-grabbing seats only)
-Skyride
-Flying turns (if it's open)
-Satellite (if your stomach can take that kinda rotation)
 

I'd say you can safely skip Impulse; it's smooth but nothing really special and it tends to have the third-slowest-moving line in the park (only ahead of Flying Turns and the boats).  If you're there on a weekday, and crowds are anything like they were in 2017, pre-COVID, (which they probably won't be), you should be able to hit everything I listed in four hours.  If you have any time left, check out the museums, particularly the park history museum in the back of the mining museum (it's kinda hidden).

Many people also rant and rave about the food here, which is decently cheap, but I'm not a foodie by any stretch of the imagination so I'll just say it's generally better quality than most park food.

Many people also rant and rave about Fascination (kinda a combination of bingo and skee-ball), but I don't particularly see the draw, particularly if you never come to the park and can't save up a massive amount of tickets.

[DILinator]

^Thanks for the reply, and all the great information! I'll take a pic of it, and refer back to it on our trip! I'm sure we'll still hit Impulse, just because it's a coaster, and a type we actually haven't ridden much elsewhere, but if the line is crazy it's good to know it's expendable. As for the Haunted Mansion, I believe it's an upcharge attraction, for one, and more importantly, my kids aren't the kind to go for scary, haunted house attractions. Maybe my daughter would do it with me. So that's a possibility. I noticed a bunch of rides are listed as "CLOSED" on the website currently, including a handful of the flats you mentioned, and another flat that I personally like, Power Surge. You may not know the answer to this, but I wonder if those are those temporary closures, staffing related closures, or longer closures. I'll be going to the park a month from yesterday, so hopefully at least some of them are back up and running by then. Thanks again for your detailed reply!

[AmyUD06]

27 minutes ago, DILinator said:

^Thanks for the reply, and all the great information! I'll take a pic of it, and refer back to it on our trip! I'm sure we'll still hit Impulse, just because it's a coaster, and a type we actually haven't ridden much elsewhere, but if the line is crazy it's good to know it's expendable. As for the Haunted Mansion, I believe it's an upcharge attraction, for one, and more importantly, my kids aren't the kind to go for scary, haunted house attractions. Maybe my daughter would do it with me. So that's a possibility. I noticed a bunch of rides are listed as "CLOSED" on the website currently, including a handful of the flats you mentioned, and another flat that I personally like, Power Surge. You may not know the answer to this, but I wonder if those are those temporary closures, staffing related closures, or longer closures. I'll be going to the park a month from yesterday, so hopefully at least some of them are back up and running by then. Thanks again for your detailed reply!

Fair enough regarding Haunted Mansion and scaring the kids, but be advised the "upcharge" is only $3 a person, so don't let that dissuade you.  I too noticed a lot of the rides I listed as being "closed" on the website right now....I have to assume they're either temporary or staffing related, because everything I mentioned in my list (except Flying Turns and the Flyers), were running during my visit on May 1st.  Power Surge I think was running, but rides with that kinda rotation mess me up so I skipped it and can't be sure.  A month from now who knows what might be up and running.  Good luck.  It truly is a magical place.

[wildcattb5]

5 hours ago, DILinator said:

I too am going to be heading through PA on a trip with my kids to visit relatives in Jersey next month, am planning on hitting Knoebels for the Sundown hours, and was wondering the same regarding typical lines and wait times on a weekday (wednesday) in July. That didn't really get addressed in the last two posts, so I thought I'd mention it again, just to get an idea. I get that a full day at Knoebels is better than a half day (none of us have been before), but that's just not in the cards for this trip, and I just wanted to at least finally get a taste of this legendary park. Any input on what the can't-miss rides or things to do there in 4 hours of time, certainly are appreciated as well! We're obviously going to do all the major coasters (that are open), and we're not going to do the Haunted Mansion, or any water attractions. Thanks in advance! 

In regards to waits on a Wednesday, for most attractions you shouldn't have to wait more than 5-10 minutes at most. Phoenix may see longer lines if there's a crowd but the ops always keep it moving considering it has one of the easiest and quickest restraint checks on any coaster, I've never waited more than 20 minutes on a weekday. Twister being on its own island practically means it'll usually be a walk-on. Impulse also is minimal waits even with the low-capacity trains because it scares the GP. The one big exception to all of this is course is Flying Turns (if it's open), that you can expect 30 minutes minimum to get on unless the park is dead, and that's an optimistic wait time for that ride.

Do keep in mind that Knoebel's also does the Sundown Special during the middle of summer weeks and that often does attract a crowd of locals because of how ridiculously affordable it is. So Phoenix in particular may actually see a longer wait later in the evening. But again, Knoebel's is so efficient with ops that a "long wait" there is comparable to average wait at a big park (except for Flying Turns). 

[BitterOldHag]

Since I had to postpone my NYC trip, I ended up at Knoebels last Thursday for 3 hours.  Wait times were mostly minimal.  Rode the following:

- Impulse (walk on but had about a 20-30 minute wait when I left)

- Twister (walk on most of the time I was there)

- Phoenix (walk on to 10 minutes)

- Carousel (one cycle for outside horse)

- Cosmotron (one cycle wait)

- AtmosFear (walk on)

- Whipper (walk on)

- Roto Jet (one cycle wait)

- Haunted Mansion (seemed to be a walk on entire time I was there)

- Pioneer Train (one train wait, two trains were being used so the line moved fast)

Flyers, Flying Turns, Looper, Satellite, Round Up, Power Surge, Sklooosh, Giant Wheel, Scenic SkyRide, Fandango, Tumbling Timbers and the new Tornado were all down along with several kids rides (all were listed as such on the website).  The line for the POP Wristband at one point stretched past the Carousel to the Birthday Cake pavilion, which is crazy.  Thankfully, I just used tickets and avoided that lineup.  Rides with surprisingly long lines were the Paratroper (full queue to overflowing), Antique Cars (full queue), and the Bumper Cars (queue spilled out 

Enjoy your visit.  Knoebels is one of the best amusement parks out there.  I just wish it wasn't a 5+ hour drive one way.  Not to mention traffic on I-80 West on the way home was a complete nightmare due to construction.  Waze said there was a 26 minute backup.  Got re-routed thankfully and didn't have to deal with it, but man, that was brutal!